Is it accurate to claim that enriched air is safer than air within no-stop limits?

When discussing the safety of enriched air compared to regular air, it's important to understand that enriched air does provide certain advantages, particularly in terms of reduced nitrogen exposure, which can decrease the risk of decompression sickness under certain conditions. However, it also comes with specific risks, particularly related to oxygen toxicity.

Enriched air contains a higher percentage of oxygen than normal air, typically around 32% to 36%. While this increase in oxygen can enhance safety by allowing divers to extend their no-stop limits and reduce nitrogen absorption, it also introduces the potential for oxygen toxicity, especially at deeper depths or during prolonged exposure. The risk of central nervous system oxygen toxicity increases significantly if divers use enriched air at deeper depths or for extended periods.

This nuanced understanding emphasizes that while enriched air can offer safety advantages in preventing decompression sickness, it is crucial for divers to be aware of the associated risks of oxygen toxicity. Therefore, the accurate assessment reflects that while there are benefits to diving with enriched air, it is vital to address the risks as well, making the assertion correct with caution regarding the specific conditions of use.